In five clinical studies of depo-subQ provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) 104 involving 2,325 women (282 treated for up to 6 months, 1,780 treated for up to 1 year and 263 treated for up to 2 years), 9% of women discontinued treatment for adverse reactions. Among these 212 women, the most common reasons for discontinuation were:

• Uterine bleeding irregularities (35%, n=75)
• Increased weight (18%, n=39)
• Decreased libido (11%, n=23)
• Acne (10%, n=21)
• Injection site reactions (6%, n=12)

Adverse reactions reported by 5% or more of all women in these clinical trials included:

• Headache (9%)
• Intermenstrual bleeding (7%)
• Increased weight (6%)
• Amenorrhea (6%)
• Injection site reactions (5%)

Adverse reactions reported by 1% to < 5% of all women in these clinical trials included:

General disorders: fatigue, injection site pain

Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea

Infections: bronchitis, influenza, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, vaginal candidiasis, vaginitis, vaginitis bacterial

Investigations: abnormal cervix smear

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue, and bone disorders: arthralgia, back pain, limb pain

Nervous system disorders: dizziness, insomnia

Psychiatric disorders: anxiety, depression, irritability, decreased libido

Reproductive system and breast disorders: breast pain, breast tenderness, menometrorrhagia, menorrhagia, menstruation irregular, uterine hemorrhage, vaginal hemorrhage

Skin disorders: acne

Vascular disorders: hot flushes

Postmarketing Experience

There have been rare cases of osteoporosis including osteoporotic fractures reported postmarketing in patients taking DEPO-PROVERA Contraceptive Injection. In addition, infrequent voluntary reports of anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reaction have been received associated with use of Depo-Provera CI (150 mg).

The following additional reactions have been reported with Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection and may occur with use of depo-subQ provera 104:

General disorders: asthenia, axillary swelling, chills, chest pain, fever, excessive thirst

Blood and lymphatic system disorders: anemia, blood dyscrasia

Cardiac disorders: tachycardia

Gastrointestinal disorders: gastrointestinal disturbances, rectal bleeding

Hepato-biliary disorders: jaundice

Immune system disorders: allergic reaction

Infections:genitourinary infections

Investigations: decreased glucose tolerance

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue, and bone disorders: loss of bone mineral density, scleroderma

Neoplasms: breast cancer, cervical cancer

Nervous system disorders: convulsions, facial palsy, fainting, paralysis, paresthesia, somnolence

Psychiatric disorders: increased libido, nervousness

Reproductive system and breast disorders: breast lumps, galactorrhea, nipple discharge or bleeding, oligomenorrhea, prevention of lactation, prolonged anovulation, unexpected pregnancy, uterine hyperplasia, vaginal cyst

Respiratory disorders: asthma, dyspnea, hoarseness

Skin disorders: angioedema, dry skin, increased body odor, melasma, pruritus, urticaria

Vascular disorders: deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, thrombophlebitis

Read the Depo-SubQ Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

No drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted with depo-subQ provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) 104. Aminoglutethimide administered concomitantly with depo-subQ provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) 104 may significantly decrease the serum concentrations of MPA.

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/28/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.